Will Tropical Storm Richard drench our shores?

The end of the hurricane season is in sight but threats are still looming. With five weeks to go before it officially closes, another weather system is may be heading this way. On Wednesday night the seventeenth named Tropical Storm, Richard, formed about a hundred and sixty miles south of the Cayman Islands.  Earlier today, four out of six models placed Tropical Storm Richard crossing right through Belize this coming weekend.  Chief Meteorologist, Dennis Gonguez, says while that is the case, it is still too early to tell, but the prudent thing is to do is to always be prepared.

Dennis Gonguez, Chief Meteorologist

“As the system nears the northeastern tip of Honduras, it could develop into a hurricane; it could strengthen into a category one hurricane. And as it heads towards us further strengthening can be expected as conditions near to Belize, will become more conducive to development. So we could have the possibility of a category one hurricane in our doorsteps come Sunday.”

Marion Ali

“What do the projections show so far most likely scenario?”

Dennis Gonguez

dennis gonguez

“Well the most likely scenario indicates that landfall will quite likely be to the north of Belize between Belize and Cancun, however there is a large uncertainty at that time so it could be anywhere within this area at landfall. So there is a large uncertainty going out to seventy-two hours and beyond. This point is presently five hundred and twenty-miles east south east of Belize City. However landfall can be anywhere from northern Belize to Cancun, Mexico.”

Marion Ali

“So the south of Belize need not worry?”

Dennis Gonguez

“The entire country needs to be concerned about this system because the system isn’t just a point, it’s an area. So even if it makes landfall well to the north of us, the southern parts of the country can still feel the effects. So its not just a point. The point is just used to track the center of the system; where it is going. We have to understand it’s an area.”

Marion Ali

“Is there any other weather system or phenomenon out there that can affect how this system behaves over the next few days?”

Dennis Gonguez

“Well not at this time. It seems that the steering currents will be weak and the system will head towards west north west at this present time.”

Marion Ali

“West north west meaning Belize and neighboring countries.”

Dennis Gonguez

“Yes, in our general direction.”

Gonguez advises everyone to monitor the local radio stations for updated alerts of the movement of Tropical Storm Richard. More on this later in the newscast in the weather report.